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Why Some Software Projects Go Unfinished

August 12, 2017

Sometimes our eyes are bigger than our stomach. Sometimes our ideas, as brilliant as they may be, are bigger than our execution. This can be applied to many software project attempts as well. At Green Mango Systems, we’ve said this before and we’ll say it again:

Ideas without great execution have no value.

We recently ran apoll on Twitter asking users in the US about why their software projects went unfinished.

Innovators with bold ideas for the next best mobile app or software product can shop around for the cheapest developers they can find or they can find the best developers for their project. The problem is, the developer or consultant who promises you the lowest rates in your area could be underestimating the scope of your needs. Low rates, quick turn-around; it sounds like a dream come true. However, fixed price bids often do not leave you with a completed project.

It’s impractical to say for certain what product you need to build exactly. You won’t know for sure until you put it in front of users. Considering the market is always changing, it’s very possible you will need something else by the time the original idea is finally built. The reality is, well thought-out software products take a lot of time and effort in order to become successful. They often even require several iterations after user feedback.

How long will it take to build?

The journey of building a software product is not an overnight endeavor. It greatly varies based on what you want to build. If you want a decent comparison for software development try thinking about it this way: Have you ever talked to someone about the cost of building a custom home? You think you have the price until you realize that price included the baseline tile in the bathroom and no window coverings.

The developer with the low rates and pie-in-the-sky promises is most likely either overly optimistic and inexperienced, or underbidding with the intention of upselling later when you realize you need more features than what you mentioned when soliciting the original bid. That developer may slowly draw out your project until you either run out of time or money. Sometimes both!

Putting Together a Team

13% in our poll were unable to finish their software projects because they did not feel they had a team to help them. It can be challenging to find the best development team for your company’s needs. At Green Mango we believe this is our playground. We can provide the team you need.

Other

Lastly, 23% of users were unable to finish their software projects due to other reasons. Some of those reasons may include a vague goal, an unclear plan, and maybe just a general lack of commitment. It’s difficult to invest all your time and resources and not get the results you wanted. Consider consulting Green Mango Systems for an honest and realistic perspective.